What an Air Operator's Certificate is, and why it matters when you charter

When you charter a private jet, the name on the website is not always the company flying the aircraft. That distinction matters more than the cabin, the catering or the price.

What is an Air Operator's Certificate?

An Air Operator's Certificate, or AOC, is the approval a company needs from its aviation authority to operate commercial flights. In the UK, the Civil Aviation Authority issues them. The certificate sets out what kind of flying the operator may do.

For a charter, the company that operates the aircraft should hold an AOC covering that flying.

Why does it matter?

An AOC is part of how safety standards are applied to commercial flights. Chartering with an operator that holds the right approvals gives you the protection those standards are designed to provide. Chartering through an arrangement where nobody holds the right approval can leave you exposed on safety, insurance and responsibility.

Broker or operator: who are you dealing with?

Many charters are arranged through a broker, who finds an aircraft from an operator. That can be a good way to find the right jet. The important question is the one that follows: who is the operator of the aircraft you will actually fly?

Ask:

• Who is the operator, and can you see their AOC?
• Is the AOC valid for this type of flight and aircraft?
• Who is responsible if something goes wrong?

What else to ask

• Safety record and audits. Some operators are independently audited by safety rating organisations, such as ARGUS or Wyvern. Ask whether the operator has an audit rating and what it covers.
• Insurance. Ask what the aircraft is insured for and who the insurer is.
• Crew and aircraft. Ask about the specific aircraft and crew you will have.
• Cancellation and change terms. Know what happens if plans or aircraft change.

Red flags

• A reluctance to say who operates the aircraft.
• A price that is far below comparable quotes.
• Pressure to pay quickly or by unusual methods.

How Tailyr helps

Tailyr introduces you to operators and partners on its network, and it is not an airline or charter operator. Tell it who is flying and where, and ask the operator the questions above before you book. Start with our private jet charter page, and read about empty legs.

This is general information, not legal or safety advice. Check the operator's approvals directly before you book.